Celtic boss Neil Lennon: We can win the title without crocked star Beram Kayal

NEIL LENNON last night insisted Celtic can win the title without Beram Kayal after the influential midfielder was ruled out for the season.

NEIL LENNON last night insisted Celtic can win the title without Beram Kayal after the influential midfielder was ruled out for the season.

Celtic’s championship ambitions were dealt a big blow when it was revealed the Israeli will undergo ankle surgery which will sideline him for at least four months.

Kayal sustained the injury in last week’s Old Firm clash following a challenge by Lee McCulloch.

And while the Parkhead boss insists the 23-year-old will be a massive loss he feels Joe Ledley, Victor Wanyama, Scott Brown and Ki Sung-Yeung will provide enough cover.

Lennon said: “Beram needs surgery. It could be a minimum four months or we could maybe get better news. It is a huge blow. He is a pivotal player but one area we have quality strength in depth is midfield. I have cover.”

Lennon refused to blame McCulloch for the injury and said: “It was a good challenge between two committed players. Beram has a bit of cartilage that might need attached back and there is ligament damage as well.”

The return of Emilio Izaguirre from a broken ankle will help ease the pain of losing Kayal and he could start in tomorrow’s Scottish Cup clash at Peterhead.

Lennon said: “Emilio, Kelvin Wilson and Paddy McCourt are all ready. They will all feature in the squad but whether they start is a different matter.”